The Three Great Sword Sects of the World.

Among the countless sword sects, these three were the most revered. To have one’s name among them was a tremendous honor.

In the face of such honor, the swordsmen cared little for notions of right or wrong; they sought only to resolve matters through the sword.

Many sects drew their blades to claim this honor, and over the years, a tradition took root in the martial world.

Swordsmen representing their sects would compete, with the outcome decided under the watchful eyes of numerous other sects.

This tradition became known as the World Sword Conference, where the greatest swordsmen gathered to discuss and duel.

Over time, the names within the Three Great Sword Sects changed, but currently, they were the Wudang Sect, the Mount Hua Sect, and the Namgung Family.

“Ah, the World Sword Conference… It’s been a while.”

Namgung Heo, the head of the Namgung Family, stroked his chin as he read the invitation from the Mount Hua Sect.

His son, Namgung Gak, who had been observing quietly, asked, “Father, we’re going, right?”

“Of course. It wouldn’t make sense for one of the Three Great Sword Sects not to participate.”

Whenever the World Sword Conference was held, the other two sects always attended. This time would be no different.

“It’s been ages since all the renowned swordsmen will gather.”

“I’m really looking forward to it. Is it being held at Mount Hua?”

Namgung Gak was excited at the thought of seeing the disciples of Mount Hua, including his friend Mu Hui, after a long time.

Since the last major gathering, Namgung Gak had been in seclusion, training intensely, and had only recently completed his training.

“No, it’s at the Gu Yu Sword Sect. The highest-ranked swordsman from both Mount Hua and Gu Yu is from Gu Yu, so they’re hosting.”

The World Sword Conference was hosted by the sect with the highest-ranked swordsman, regardless of who issued the challenge.

Namgung Heo noted the nickname “Gu Yu Sword Master” on the invitation.

“I thought he had passed away like my father, given the long silence. I wonder how strong the old monster has become.”

Namgung Heo set the invitation down and turned to Namgung Gak.

“Gak, will you be going too?”

“Of course.”

“As the heir of the Namgung Family, one of the Three Great Sword Sects, you’ll face countless challenges. Can you handle it? Your reputation could suffer if you’re not careful.”

While some swordsmen attended to broaden their horizons by observing the duels, many saw it as an opportunity to challenge the Three Great Sword Sects, including Mount Hua.

Opportunities to challenge such prestigious sects were rare.

Seeing his father’s serious expression, Namgung Gak pondered for a moment before nodding confidently.

“While I was in seclusion, my friends, including Yuk Ryong, were making a name for themselves. I’ll prove I haven’t been idle.”

“Good. Make the Namgung Family proud.”

With the invitation in hand, the Namgung Family began preparations to travel to the Gu Yu Sword Sect, a considerable distance from Anhui.

* * *

“Come on!”

“Haaah!”

The sharp clang of steel echoed throughout the grand training grounds of the Mount Hua Sect.

Every time two plum blossom swords clashed, petals of sword energy scattered around them.

The fierce exchanges sent waves of energy rippling through the air, keeping the petals in constant motion.

Boom!

Baek Soon, who had blocked Mu Cheol’s plum blossom sword, felt the power of the Iron Plum Sword Technique reverberate through his wrist and couldn’t help but admire it.

It was no longer easy to fend off Mu Cheol’s sword as it had been during the initial qualification tests.

Baek Soon steadied his stance, extending his sword aura to deflect Mu Cheol’s attack.

Simultaneously, his twisted sword rose diagonally, executing fourteen consecutive changes.

Mu Cheol, retreating quickly, took a deep breath and brought his sword down with ferocious force.

Faced with the rapid changes, Mu Cheol chose to break through them all at once rather than respond to each individually.

In that moment, as the optimal path for his sword became clear, Mu Cheol felt his sword extend more freely than ever.

Baek Soon’s eyes crinkled slightly as he witnessed the powerful strike.

The exhilarating blow of the Iron Plum Sword Technique disrupted the continuous sword forms of the Triangular Plum Blossom Sword. Baek Soon, who had intended to press Mu Cheol further, had to pause and catch his breath.

“Amazing!”

The recent strike had transcended its usual limits, reaching a new realm.

Mu Cheol, seemingly aware of the different resonance in his technique, appeared momentarily dazed.

To help him maintain this newfound flow, Baek Soon sent a gust of sword wind toward Mu Cheol’s chest.

Mu Cheol quickly regained his composure, slashing his plum blossom sword to unleash a countering sword wind.

Whoosh!

The incoming sword wind twisted Baek Soon’s beard, but a faint smile could be seen beneath it.

“At this rate, you’ll soon surpass the peak.”

Baek Soon had been astonished when he heard that Mu Jin had reached the transcendent realm.

Now, Mu Cheol and Mu Hwa were fiercely pursuing Mu Jin, who was a step ahead.

The three disciples, once known as the “Three Blossoms” for their exceptional talent, had grown remarkably.

“There’s nothing to worry about now. The Mount Hua Sect, with these young ones at its core, will shine even brighter.”

While Baek Soon sparred intensely with Mu Cheol, other elders were also engaged in duels with the plum blossom swordsmen.

The reputation of the plum blossom swordsmen had soared to the heavens.

Their prowess had been displayed across various battlefields, showcasing their strength to the world.

The swordsmen representing Mount Hua. The Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

Now, the martial world knew their honorable name.

“These rascals!”

“Now I understand how much they endured in the martial world.”

The elders, who were directly facing the plum blossom swordsmen, realized that even the first and second-generation disciples were formidable opponents.

Clang! Clang!

The lively and exhilarating sounds of clashing steel and sword cries echoed throughout the grand training grounds, reflecting the elders’ thoughts.

The World Sword Conference at the Gu Yu Sword Sect was a competition where the elite of each sect clashed.

It wasn’t just a few top swordsmen representing their sects; it was a gathering of the very best.

Thus, even the plum blossom swordsmen and some elders from Mount Hua would participate in the World Sword Conference.

The entire Mount Hua Sect was dedicated to training.

Even Baek Yu, the sect leader, devoted minimal time to administrative duties, focusing instead on his training.

“Half a year to go.”

Mu Hui observed the training disciples of Mount Hua.

Considering the time it would take for the invited swordsmen to travel to the Gu Yu Sword Sect, half a year was the earliest possible date.

Baek Yu had initially thought of a year, but the Gu Yu Sword Sect insisted on half a year, indicating their eagerness. Mount Hua agreed.

“Maximize our potential.”

Not only Mu Cheol and Mu Hwa, who were on the verge of transcendence, but also other plum blossom swordsmen and even some elders showed signs of growth.

Perhaps inspired by the young disciples’ progress, the elders were the most enthusiastic about training.

Despite having to yield many things to the younger disciples due to the sect’s circumstances, the elders were proving that they were still warriors at heart.

Mu Hui rotated among them, ensuring that Mount Hua’s strength grew stronger each day.

“Mu Hui, are you ready?”

“Of course, Sect Leader.”

At that moment, two plum blossom swords floated around Mu Hui. The swords shimmered with a clear aura, hovering in the air.

Even as Mu Hui turned his back, his eyes remained fixed on the disciples’ duels.

Only the two plum blossom swords pointed in the opposite direction, aimed at Baek Yu.

“Hmm.”

Despite the swords merely being directed at him, Baek Yu felt a suffocating pressure.

“It’s been a while since I’ve felt this.”

Having spent most of his time at Mount Hua since becoming the sect leader, such a close-to-real combat feeling was now unfamiliar.

“Yet, it’s good.”

The sharp energy that pricked his skin and the subtle killing intent that heightened his senses.

These were things Baek Yu had requested from Mu Hui to revive his old instincts, and he was very satisfied.

It felt as if his blood was boiling, just like when he roamed the martial world in his youth.

“With the disciples working so hard, I can’t afford to show any weakness as the sect leader.”

As Baek Yu slowly drew his sword, the two floating swords shot toward him like lightning.

One followed the path of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique, while the other moved along the Seven-Section Plum Blossom Sword’s trajectory.

Clang! Clang!

Baek Yu’s robe fluttered wildly as he stepped on the hidden path.

With his Plum Blossom Sword, he countered the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique and used his left hand to deflect the swift strikes of the Seven-Section Plum Blossom Sword with the Six Harmonies Defense.

Baek Yu’s mastery of the Plum Blossom Sword was evident, showing that he hadn’t neglected his martial arts training even while leading the Mount Hua Sect.

“Haa!”

With a short shout, Baek Yu simultaneously deflected the two swords, beginning to bloom a delicate plum blossom.

* * *

Zichang, Shaanxi Province

At the northernmost tip of the island lay the entrance to the Gu Yu Sword Sect. Normally sealed shut, today the grand gates stood wide open.

A throng of people queued up to enter, each one conspicuously armed with a sword strapped to their waist or back.

“I wonder if the Three Great Sword Sects will change this time,” one murmured.

“Unlikely, don’t you think? The Huashan Sect’s reputation has soared to the heavens lately,” another replied.

“But surely the Gu Yu Sword Sect is aware of that. Besides, hasn’t the reclusive Gu Yu Sword Master suddenly reappeared? They must be confident.”

“Imagine the sharpness of his blade after all those years of dedicated training,” someone mused.

As they waited to sign the guestbook, the swordsmen exchanged thoughts on the upcoming World Sword Tournament.

Their boredom was soon interrupted by the arrival of a new group that drew everyone’s attention.

Clad in black uniforms embroidered with red plum blossoms, they were unmistakable.

“Plum Blossom Swordsmen!”

“So the Huashan Sect has finally arrived.”

All eyes naturally turned to the elderly man leading the group. Though he didn’t wear the plum blossom robe, his sleeves were adorned with five plum blossoms—a mark of distinction.

Only one person in the Huashan Sect could wear such a symbol: the Sect Leader.

“The Plum Blossom Sword Master! So Bai Yu himself has come.”

“And there’s Bai Shun, the Plum Blossom Sword Sage. The Huashan Sect must be well-prepared.”

Excitement rippled through the crowd as they recognized the Huashan elders, each calling out their titles in admiration.

Unlike the others, the Huashan delegation was ushered directly through the main gate of the Gu Yu Sword Sect.

“Allow me to guide you,” a Gu Yu swordsman offered, leading the way.

As they walked, Wu Hui took in the surroundings, his gaze eventually lifting to the tallest eight-story pavilion.

At its peak, a faint silhouette stood, barely visible to the untrained eye. Yet, Wu Hui, with his heightened senses, saw it as clearly as if it were right beside him.

‘Is this your way of greeting us, Gu Yu Sword Master?’ he thought.

Even from afar, Wu Hui felt their eyes meet. The Gu Yu Sword Master, sensing the connection, offered a deeply wrinkled smile, and Wu Hui responded with a slight twist of his lips.